Abstract
Objective: To report clinical evaluation, flow patency, and histopathological findings of a novel glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) made of poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) in rabbits. Methods: In 16 normal eyes, the proximal end of the SIBS GDI was inserted into the anterior chamber while the distal end was placed in the subconjunctival space. A control group underwent implantation of a similarly designed silicone GDI. Slitlamp follow-up and intraocular pressure measurements were recorded. Flow patency was evaluated by injecting 0.01% fluorescein into the anterior chamber. Immunostaining against collagen IV, macrophages, and α smooth muscle actin was performed. Results: Slitlamp examination suggested adequate biocompatibility. A low and diffuse bleb was observed in the SIBS group. All SIBS tubes were patent 6 months after insertion. Immunostaining demonstrated noncontinuous collagen deposition. No macrophages or myofibroblasts were visible around the SIBS tubes. In contrast, silicone induced collagen deposition and myofibroblast differentiation. Conclusion: This new GDI is clinically biocompatible in the rabbit and maintained 100% patency at 6 months. A remarkable difference was the absence of myofibroblasts in the surrounding tissue in the SIBS group. Clinical Relevance: This novel GDI made of SIBS would prevent the feared complication of hypotony and will decrease the amount of subconjunctival fibrosis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1742-1749 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Archives of ophthalmology |
Volume | 124 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2006 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ophthalmology